**Fears of New Parking Charges Spark Concern in Seaside Towns**
Businesses and residents in two popular Welsh seaside towns are raising objections to plans to introduce new parking charges. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is considering implementing charges at specific car parks in the county and introducing on-street parking fees at Barry Island and Penarth seafronts. Petitions have been set up in both areas to oppose the proposed charges, with businesses on Barry Island urging the council to engage with traders on the matter.
The owner of Sid’s Restaurant and Bar With Rooms in Penarth expressed concerns about the potential impact of parking charges on businesses. Sid Sethi stated that charging for parking on Penarth seafront, especially during the winter months, could significantly affect business activity. Despite the council’s approval in principle of these charges at a recent meeting, the local community is rallying against the decision.
On-street parking charges at Barry Island are expected to impact several roads, while charges at Penarth seafront will affect key areas frequented by visitors. Business owners like Giuseppe Scarico of Romeo’s by the Sea fear that the proposed charges could deter customers, particularly during quieter winter months. The proposed pricing structure includes various rates based on the duration of parking, which has been met with criticism from local businesses.
A Change.org petition advocating against the charges in Penarth has garnered significant support, with concerns raised over the lack of consultation with residents and businesses. Councillors from different political parties have expressed opposition to the swift approval of the charges, emphasizing the potential negative effects on local businesses and residents.
While the council argues that the income generated from parking charges will support the maintenance of facilities in popular seaside spots, critics believe that the charges could detract from the appeal of these tourist destinations. The upcoming Vale of Glamorgan Council scrutiny committee meeting on the proposed charges is expected to provide a platform for discussions and feedback from concerned parties.
Not all businesses in Penarth are against the proposed charges, with some owners acknowledging the parking challenges faced by customers. Sidali Rachdi of Severn View Bar Restaurant views the charges as a potential solution to the parking issues experienced by customers. However, the broader sentiment among business owners in both Barry Island and Penarth leans towards opposition to the new parking charges.
The ongoing debate surrounding the introduction of parking charges in these seaside towns underscores the complex balance between generating revenue for local councils and supporting the economic vitality of businesses in the community. As the council seeks to address these concerns and justify the need for parking charges, the outcome of the upcoming scrutiny committee meeting will likely shape the future of parking policies in Barry Island and Penarth.